20 Scary Movies That Will Make You Afraid to Go into the Water

Damon BeresSep 19

Dun dun. Dun dun. Dun dun.

Jaws

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It’s hard to argue with the original. Consider this: If not for Jaws, the idea of a great white shark attack probably wouldn’t cross your mind at the beach—they’re very uncommon. Decades later, though, our eyes are still peeled for a fin on the horizon.

The Host

Open Water

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A realistic take on the Jaws phenomenon (the film is based on a distressing true story), Open Water shows what happens to a couple stranded at sea following a diving trip. Fun? Not really. Horrifying? You bet. Here are more horror films inspired by true events.

Ghost Ship

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With so much bad press about cruise lines lately, you probably don’t need yet another reason to fear ocean liners. However, Ghost Ship‘s got a few murderous spirits for you to add to your list. Freakier than the not-so-fresh shrimp you grabbed from the buffet, at least.

Anaconda

Lake Placid

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With all the sharks and ocean beasts lurking in this list, we’d understand if you headed inland for your next vacation. “We’re safe in freshwater,” you’d think—and then a 30-foot mutant crocodile would gobble you up. Should have gone to Disneyworld. Check out these 22 animals that are deadlier than sharks.

Gamera

Deep Blue Sea

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This is sort of like Jaws for the millennial set: There are sharks, yes, but they’re smarter, faster, more lethal after being used in lab experiments for an Alzheimer’s drug. Science, you are a cruel mistress. You’ll also want to check out the 16 scariest books of all time.

Deep Rising

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A crossover between Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Deep Rising follows an ocean liner on its first cruise as its passengers deal with thieves and a giant, destructive sea monster with tentacles. Kinda puts bad situations into perspective, doesn’t it?

The Deep

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Emphasizing the ocean’s depth seems to be a common theme among aquatic-themed horror movies. And once a pair of vacationers unwittingly cross paths with dangerous treasure hunters, you can bet they’ll be in Deep trouble. Don’t miss the best Halloween movies to scare you senseless.

47 Meters Down

It Came from Beneath the Sea

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Like Creature from the Black Lagoon, this horror flick also debuted in the mid-1950s, but watching it in black-and-white doesn’t make giant radioactive octopuses any less terrifying. Luckily, there are 6 reasons getting scared is good for your health.

Dead Calm

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Many sea horror movies follow the same set-up: Some aquatic monster endangers the lives of innocent bystanders, whose only source of protection is their boat. But for the leading couple in Dead Calm, the monster may already be on the boat with them. Cue dramatic music.

Below

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You’re used to hearing bumps in the night and seeing creepy shadows in dilapidated buildings, but experiencing haunted house vibes on a WWII submarine is a whole new kind of spooky. Here are 10 more ghost movies that will give you chills.

The Shallows

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If we can learn one thing from this movie, it’s this: Don’t go surfing alone off the coast of a secluded beach. Even if you’re Blake Lively. For more chills and thrills, check out the 35 scariest movies of all time.

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